The move to the new Secondary Modern School

By Jillian Foley nee Merrett

I was born in March 1942 in north London, however in 1952 after moving to Brighton I attended St Mary Magdalene Junior School in Upper North Street.

Sacred Heart Convent - Upper Drive, HoveIn 1953 at the age of 11, I went to the Sacred Heart Convent in the Upper Drive, Hove. As convent girls we were somewhat shielded from the outside world by Sister Mary Immaculate and the other nuns, in that lovely building, which is now the home of Newman School. It overlooked a house opposite called Greyfriars, which I understand was owned by the Hannington (department store) family. Greyfriars was a beautiful detached house in its own extensive grounds. Although the original house was demolished, a small estate of houses, still called Greyfriars, was built on the same plot in the 1970's. In the early 1950's, up the road from Greyfriars there was a boarding school with extensive playing fields, now demolished and replaced by the Martlets housing estate.

Early pop
I can remember turning up at school with a picture from the magazine 'Picturegoer' of Elvis Presley, who no one had yet heard of. I produced this picture and stated to my classmates that he was very handsome and didn't he sing Heartbreak Hotel (1956) in a fantastic way? This was frowned on as it distracted me from my classical piano lessons. This was early days of Rock n' Roll, things were soon to change! It was at about this time (1956) that the new secondary school Cottesmore St Mary's was completed, and the "move over the road" started!

Cottesmore St Mary's - Randendin Manor Road, Hove
The move was carried out is stages, and I remember that although the majority of pupils were still in the Sacred Heart Convent building, some pupils had already moving into the brand new building. It seems that at this time the facilities in the new building were incomplete. I was given the task (I don't know why me) of walking over to the new school every morning to collect the dinner numbers of pupils who would attend lunch at the school canteen in the convent. Presumably the canteen in the new building being incomplete at that time! It was very quiet and safe in those days in the Upper Drive, with barely any traffic around at all. Certainly, as I recall, no children at all were dropped off or collected by car, that was unheard of. Eventually we were all installed in the new building, however at first I really missed being in the old convent, although the new school had had good modern facilities, very extensive playing fields, netball courts, science labs etc.

Sports day
We had our annual Sports Day every summer at the Brighton & Hove Dog Stadium in Nevill Road, which was in those days the base for Brighton Athletics Club. I was good at sport and ran in many races (athletics that is, not with the dogs), the hurdles were my favourite event.

Teachers of the 1950's
Having grown up through the late 1940's with rationing still in place, I was struck by the fantastic facilities in the new building. The domestic science room had brand new electric cookers and a lovely domestic science teacher, Mrs Dickens who also coached us in netball. I remember many of the other teachers fondly, Mr Valdez was the Science Master (correct terminology at that time) he was also a keen photographer. The needlework class was run by Mrs Ochakowska, (may not be correct spelling). I do remember she had the most amazing silver blonde hair done up in a chignon, never a hair out of place. We were taught to make very useful clothes, and I took home a supply of skirts and dresses, made in class, which I was very proud of. Mr Peter Lesser and Miss Heather were both English teachers. Mr Bratley ran the woodwork class, but it was of little interest to me! At this time Mr Smith was the Headmaster. Occasionally we went on school trips, one I remember was a coach load of us going to visit the Old Vic to see Henry V with Richard Burton on stage; never to be forgotten!

I left Cottesmore at 16 years old in 1958 and went into secretarial work, however a lovely school with many happy memories!

Hi Jillian, I believe we were in the same year. I stayed on an extra year to get better O levels leaving in 1959. As a secondary school it offered good opportunities to all. I have happy memories of my time there.

By Peter Whitford (21/07/2008)

I left Cottesmore in1960 and I have to admit that my time spent there was very enjoyable.

By Tony Dube (17/10/2008)

I to left this school in 1960, I can remember it well, would love to have some banter with old school pupils peter lytle,b gamble, rochfort and many others.. I remember moving from one school to the other.

By Eddie Mccabe (28/11/2008)

Hi Jillian. I remember you at school and I was a friend of Vangie Fuller; I guess I misbehaved and later moved schools. I was so suprised when I saw the picture of the hockey team with me standing next to you and Jacqueline Jeffries (third from right). Other names are rather a blur. I do remember Miss Walsh the games teacher who later married Mr Valdes. I remember Mrs Dickens; what a great woman - she was my saviour on many occasions.

By Rosie Lubach (nee Budd) (16/07/2009)

Two names from the past - Peter Whitford and Tony Dube. Peter - do you remember the fishing trips and the scout camps. Tony - we hung around together quite a bit after we had left school. Do you remember Cottesmore Youth Club? I look back at my time at Cottesmore with fond memories.

By Dan O'Shaughnessy (21/07/2009)

I'm Dayna, and I'm 11 years old. It was my last day at Cottesmore today. Wow, it's so weird to see a picture of Cottesmore's playground in the 1950s!

By Dayna Spear (22/07/2009)

I attended Cottesmore School in 1957 and remember many of the teachers already mentioned. I too have very fond memories of my time there which fostered my love of English and Art. Does anyone know what happened to Mr Harvey? He was brilliant and I think he went to Australia. In my year were Anne Langan, Christine Shilling, Vivienne Daysh, Carol Farrow and Ann Corcoran. I don't much remember the boys except for Philip Pepper who once put a large box of chocolates on my desk and left me blushing for weeks! My name then was Una Mitchell. Does anyone remember?!

By Una Aldridge (19/08/2009)

Wow, how amazing, to see such familiar scenes from my childhood. I went to Cottesmore when I was 11 (1963) and left in 1969 after GCE O levels. Mr Valdez was still Science master and many of his pupils will be pleased to know that he is still around. He and his wife regularly go on pilgrimage trips to Lourdes (same party as my mum who stopped going last year at 84). I think Mr Valdez can occaisionally be seen at St Peter's Church in Portland Road but I might me getting my facts mixed up. Best wishes to you all.

By John Senders (18/10/2009)

Hi Jillian: It was just so interesting to see you attended the same schools as myself, but I was before your time having attended St. Mary Magdalene from l942-47, then onto Sacred Heart from 1947-49. I left secondary school for a 2 year course at Gregg's College. I wish I had some pictures from those good old days at school.

By Jean Racko (nee Shepherd) (21/02/2010)

I went to Cottesmore from 1961 to 1966. I would love to catch up with best friends Kathy Clarke and Margaret O'Sullivan (she lived in Portslade). I was a convent kid from St Anne's Convent. Does anyone remember me?

By Pam Hagon (nee Gorey) (17/06/2010)

I well remember some of the girls at the St Anne's Convent who attended St Mary Magdelane School in Upper North Street and went on to Cottesmore, and also girls who were travelling with their parents and stayed for a short while in Brighton. Michaela Reddington was over from Germany with her family and invited me back for tea. Her mum prepared a sumptuous spread which in the 50s was a real treat. Another girl had parents who were acrobats performing at the Brighton Hippodrome. She asked me to view their performance backstage and we saw the King Brothers perform their hit "White Coat, Pink Carnation". What a thrill that was to be backstage in that beautiful theatre. As convent girls at the Sacred Heart, we performed Irish country dancing shows for the convent and also performed for the St Joseph's old people's home in Old Shoreham Road which is now a branch of Homebase. My late mother used to live in one of those green roofed houses in York Avenue which backed onto St Anne's Convent and when she decided to get rid of all her Art Deco furniture she donated it to the nuns in the convent.

By Jillian (12/03/2011)

I left Cottesmore in 1964. I was best friends with Frances Bishop, other friends were Angela Graf, Paula Mason, and lots whose names escape me, (old age!). My time at Cottesmore was very enjoyable. I also went to St. John the Baptist and St. Mary Magdelanes, we moved quite a bit. Anyone remember me?

By Tina Agar (nee Hagen) (01/07/2011)

I am now living in a retirement village in North Queensland, Australia. Aged 85, and 60 years married to my wonderful wife, Bernie, who accompanies me on daily walks along a tropical beach fringed with coconut palms. We have seven children, eleven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren so far. I treasure my memories of students of Cottesmore days.

By Terry Harvey (20/11/2011)

Hello Mr Harvey, I'm sure most students of Cottesmore, like me, fondly remember art lessons with you. Art with you was not just "about painting" you opened our minds!

By Peter Groves (21/11/2011)

I was in St Anne's Children's Home and am 65 years old. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

By Nina Alberici (10/12/2011)

So your first name is Terry - well Mr Harvey, I remember you and the school well. I still live in the area. I'm really pleased you are living the life you deserve.

By Eddie McCabe (13/12/2011)

Cannot believe what I just read Mr Harvey! I am delighted that you are enjoying life to the full Sir, yes I will still call you that even though I am now 66 and retired! I am sure everyone would like to here more from you in the future. Regards, Michael Whelan (ended with Mr Harrison and left in 1960).

By Michael Whelan (08/01/2012)

Mr Harvey, I remember you. You taught me History in my 1st year. Maybe the best recollecection I have of you is in my 5th year (Christmas 1959) at the Christmas party for 4th and 5th years. You and Mr Isaacs danced The Sugar Plum Fairy in costume! It was hilarious. I left Cottesmore in 1960 after O levels and now live in Portugal.

By Veronica Hundley (Kavanagh) (25/01/2012)

I remember Mr Harvey but cannot remember which lessons he taught. I left in March or April 1958 and joined the Royal Marines Band Service and the last class I was in was Mr Lesser's. I seem to remember Gillian Foley but think she may have been in the class above me.

By Jeremy Tugwood (07/02/2012)

I just loved Art Appreciation with Mr Harvey. I learnt so much about art.

By Teresa Clark (18/03/2012)

I too remember Mr Harvey. He once threw a blackboard duster at me. It missed me, I guess I was talking too much so probably deserved it. I also remember an exchange teacher Mr Koch, I think he was from the States, he also used to give me 100 lines on a regular basis for talking in class and many times I had the cane from Miss Hayes. Still have fond memories of my schooldays though. I used to love sports and belonged to Hove Athletic Club and held the high jump record for the school. I remember several times a few of us used to jump out of the window of Mr Valdes' class when the bell went. Mr Harrison was my form teacher. Very interesting to read all the comments - I have only just found this site.

By Jennifer Bainbridge (nee Bleach) (07/05/2012)

I don't think I knew Jennifer Bleach but I remember Mr Koch (he came from Missouri, USA). Mr Harrison is a name I remember but can't think for the life of me what he taught (was it Geography?). Miss Hayes was a rather large woman, but, I recall she was a teacher in the lower school. I think Jennifer must have been in school around my time (I left in 1958 in order to join the Royal Marines Band Service).

Heard about this site from Patricia Lawrance who, like me, went to St Mary Mags. I went on to Cottesmore, and remember well Mr Harvey. Everybody thought it was wonderful the day he turned up at school in his Rolls Royce. The height of extravagance; everybody wanted a ride in it. A great teacher, always smartly turned out, and I am very pleased to hear that he's still around. Mr Bradley and Mr Harrison were both killed in car accidents, terrible consternation in class when Mr Harrison didn't turn up and we were given the bad news. Mr Bradley was the Sussex athletics coach, if I remember correctly. Mr Gee the geography and sports teacher, he liked to clip us around the ear with his whistle. Hope a few more old pupils pop up.

By John Flynn (15/06/2012)

Thanks John Flynn for information. I was in Mr. Harrison's class of 1959-1960 and this was my last year at school. I was aware that Mr. Vic Bratley was killed in a car crash, but shocked to hear that Mr. Harrison was killed in the same way. Do you know what years these happened?

By Mike Whelan (18/06/2012)

Hi Mike, you can't have been in Mr (Woody) Harrison's class 1959/60, he did not arrive at Cottesmore until about 1965/66! I moved from Cottesmore Junior School in Sept 1965 to the secondary school. We had a few months of woodwork with Mr Bratley, before we heard he had died. I don't recall us 11 year-olds being told that it was in a car crash. Anyway, we went some months with no woodwork teacher before Mr Harrison arrived, probably late 1965 or early 1966!

By Peter Groves (18/06/2012)

Hi Peter, well I guess there must have been at least two Mr. Harrisons attached to the school in the period 1957-1967. The Christian name of "my" Mr. Harrison I do not know to this day. Maybe someone reading this will oblige with a name. Was Sister Immaculata still at Cott. in 1965?

By Mike Whelan (19/06/2012)

There must have been two Mr Harrisons, I was at Cottesmore from 1954/59 and a Mr Harrison was there during that time teaching geography. If my memory serves me right he was at the same time involved with a residental school run by East Sussex Education dept. teaching agriculture and horticulture (not Plumton). What I do remember is that he was a bit of a task master and rather free with a swipe with a ruler if he thought you weren't paying attention.

By Dan O'Shaughnessy (19/06/2012)

Hi Mike/Dan, I guess you two must be correct, there were two Mr Harrisons. The one from 1966, came from (I think) Hove Manor School (Connaught Road Hove) we nicknamed him "Woody" Harrison, he replaced Mr Bratley who had died. Mr Harrison was ex army, strict but fair, really had time for us young lads. Of course apart from woodwork, I did Tech Drawings with him, he explained 1st and 3rd angle projection so clearly, I still find it simple today (which can't be said for the university graduates of today who let CAD rule the day).

By Peter Groves (20/06/2012)

Mr Harvey was my Art teacher, I don't think I had much talent although I am doing watercolour painting as a hobby now and thoroughly enjoy it. My memory of Mr Harvey was that he introduced us to Art Appreciation and used to show us slides of paintings and then discussed them. This has still stayed with me and I often think that he did introduce us to the art world. He also had a Land Rover and he took us up to the top of Chanctonbury Ring for a sponsored walk across the Downs - it took my friends and I so long to do the walk that we got back to the school after everybody else. I used to be a bit scared of him but then I was scared of most of the teachers especially when they chucked board rubbers about. There was one teacher who used to shake the boys by their shoulders - I can't remember her name but she was a bit of a tartar.

By Marilyn Rendle (nee Phillips) (09/07/2012)

So pleased to hear about Terry Harvey! He took me after school for G.C.E. Art. There were several of us but one by one they dropped out as they got jobs. The last was Peter White. I was then the only one but the lessons continued and I loved them. Mr Harvey was a great teacher. I think I was too young to appreciate him then. Since leaving Cottesmore in 1961 and many years later I too became a teacher of English in a Comprehensive. However, since my retirement I took up Art again going to the local Art College and gaining a degree in Fine Art. I sell some of my work and like to think that it was Mr Harvey who first inspired me. If you read this - I know it's late coming but a big thank you from Una (nee) Mitchell.

By Una Aldridge (04/08/2012)

Dear Una, thank you for your kind comments. I retired from the local Catholic Secondary School, still teaching Art, in 1991. I am so pleased to hear that you have maintained your interest in Art and that you are doing so well in your profession.

By Terry Harvey (10/08/2012)

Dear Mr Harvey, I was one of your pupils in Art and you helped me do a sketch 'The Death of Macbeth'. I really enjoyed your classes. I also remember you supporting Campion House and in the cross country over the Downs you made me run faster by driving your old Rolls Royce behind me, I came third in the end. Great to hear you are living a relaxed retirement. Thanks again.

By Neville Coleman (31/08/2012)

With reference to Vic Bratley woodwork teacher, he was killed in a car accident on the London Road and there were two Mr Harrisons. The geography teacher had an operation and died in hospital as far as I recall, his son was also a pupil at Cottesmore. If anyone remembers me would love to hear from them my email address is nevillepc@hotmail.com

By Neville Coleman (31/08/2012)

I went to Cottesmore from Lourdes Convent in 1964 and left in 1969. Unfortunately I have never been one for remembering names but I do remember Mr Whitem who was my class teacher for a while. He taught RE but most of the lessons were taken up with him playing his guitar for us! I also remember Mrs Fox, Mr Prior, Mr Harvey and Miss Cook the cookery teacher! I was friends with Anne and Christina Blaker and Veronica Sullivan.... my mind has now gone blank. I would love to hear from anyone who was in my year.

By Jill Isaacs (nee Holden) (03/09/2012)

Jill, that was Mr White (Jock) who mainly taught French, but mostly played his guitar!

By Peter Groves (03/09/2012)

I am an infrequent but interested visitor to this wonderful site. I would like to offer some clarification with regard to the two Mr. Harrisons. I have no knowledge of "Woody" Harrison but his predecessor was my father, Louis Harrison. My father was born and educated in Crewe, Cheshire and moved south to start his teaching career at Coleridge Street School. After serving in the RAF as a PT instructor during WWII he returned to Coleridge Street. He transferred to Cottesmore St Mary's Secondary School when it opened, which I believe was in 1954. I have some early pictures which I will post as soon as possible. After a very short illness, my father died from a coronary thrombosis on January 25th, 1963. I was 13 and my brother David was 10. We both attended Cottesmore Primary and then, after 5 years living in Lindfield near Haywards Heath, we returned to Hove after my father's death. We both then attended Xaverian and De La Salle Colleges; that's another story for another day on another page. I remember the names of a number of my father's colleagues from the reminiscences here and in particular Vic Bratley and Mr Valdez. The latter I recall was a keen photographer and indeed I still have some photographs that he took of the house, Beckworth, that my family lived in in Lindfield. I was saddened to learn of the manner of Vic Bratley's death. My recollections of him involve being taken on a number of occasions to AAA athletics meetings at the White City - one of those trips I recall involved transporting a pole vaulter's pole there and back on the roof of one of the original Minis! Although I did not attend Cottesmore Secondary I will always have an affinity for it and I can still "see" the yellow and white ceramic squares on the columns down by the playground. I stayed in and around the Brighton and Hove area until 9 years ago when I moved to Houston, Texas. My abiding memory of my Dad is that he was tough but fair and that he loved his family, his church and his profession. It is with great interest that I look forward to reading many more memories of Cottesmore in the 1950s and early 1960s.

By John Harrison (16/10/2012)

Hi John, Mike Whelan here. I am absolutely delighted to read your comments and to know that you are Mr Harrison's son. A fine teacher he was, you are right - he was firm but fair. I was in his class in 1959-1960 which was my last year and I have never forgotten him. I do have a class photo of this year and if you haven't a copy then you can email me at mikeewhelan@gmail.com and I will attach one for you. Your other comments have brought back many memories. Regards

By Michael Whelan (18/10/2012)

Like Nina I was in St Anne's Childrens' Home and would love to hear from anyone else who was there.

By Jean Williams (13/11/2012)

I remember Tina Hagen, there was five of us that were friends. Tina, Maggie Smith, Maddy Roberts, Mary Halewood and myself, still meet up with Mary and am still in contact with Maddy. I remember some of our teachers Mr. Berry our 1st and 3rd year teacher and Mrs. Curragh 2nd and 4th year teacher also Mrs. Fox Mr. Harvey Mr. Valdes Mr. White and the lovely needlework teacher with the impossible name and Mr. Gee who I see at St. Georges Church fetes and he still remembers me, how I do not know as he never took me for a lesson that I remember. I found this site by accident, but will visit it more often now.

By Frances Andrews (24/04/2013)

Hello Frances, did Mary Halewood go to the Catholic school in Vale Road? I have a photo of Mary (I think) and myself, Sue Verran (Martin), taken after Holy Communion at the church hall. If Mary would like a photo my email is su_ever_ran@hotmail.com

By Sue Verran (02/05/2013)

What a wonderful site this is. So great to hear about all old friends. Glad to hear that Mr Harvey is still alive, my aunt used to do housework for him and his family. I believe he lived in Newtown Road. Hope to hear from anyone who knows either me or my brother Raymond.

By Tony Dube (21/05/2013)

Hi Jillian, I have just seen this site. I went as a boarder to the Convent of the Sacred Heart - Sept 1952 until 1959, aged 12. We may have been at the Convent at the same time for a while. My cousin, Carol Wates nee Darby, was there as well and her great aunt was Mother Clutton. Do get in touch if you have any memories of your time at the Convent.

By Arlene Morris (nee Tegetmeier) (23/07/2013)

I remember Mrs Curragh - loved her. I remember Margaret Smith, Madeleine Roberts and Mary Halewood too, as mentioned in a comment above. Maddy was my best friend for a long time. Mr White and Mr Randolf I remember well, as well as Mr Berry and others. When I started at Cottesmore Secondary as a first year pupil I had a crush on a fifth year boy called Philip Pepper, then later Brian Ansbro who was starting a pop group using Dave Clark Five songs! I also remember being introduced to folk music when Alex Campbell came to do a gig in our school hall; I've lived and loved folk music ever since.

By Susan Haw (03/06/2014)

Good to see this site is still going. Hi, to ex-Cottesmore pupils.

By Veronica Hundley (nee Kavanagh) (17/08/2014)

I have just come across this site. My connection is that I was at the Sacred Heart Convent in the 1950s, leaving after O-Levels in 1959, and Carol Wates, nee Darby, is my contemporary, who I still see. I remember you, Arlene. My maiden name is Erskine.

By Jane Turner (28/09/2014)

I am sending much love to Terry (Mr) Harvey who very kindly and surprisingly gave me much encouragement with Art when I had very little skill, at least to begin with. I fortunately enjoyed 2 consecutive years in Mr Harvey's class and he generously gave me a small framed painting of himself (with a boat in the background) on the day I left Cottesmore in 1966. I still have the painting and have it displayed in my homeopathic clinic. My husband and I were staying at the Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead recently and, after a long hike to a nearby village, we walked passed a garage which restored old expensive vehicles and in their showroom was a period black Rolls Royce complete with a silver angel and I still recall when you lost your 'silver lady' and remember vividly how guilty we all felt when you demonstrated your wrath in class at this loss. Strange how we all felt guilty when I doubt not one of us was responsible as we all loved and admired you! Do hope you are still well and happy in Australia. Congrats on your amazing family. I lived for a while in New Zealand in the 70s and also completed a tour of Australia which included Brisbane and Gt. Keppel Island. Were you there at this time? Warmest regards and much love Lynne

By Lynne Shrubb (nee Bickerton) (31/10/2014)

Good to see contributions from Mike Whelan and Peter Groves: two names I remember well. Hope you are still well

By John Senders (21/12/2014)

Hi there Mr Terry Harvey. Really pleased to see you're enjoying life in Australia (last post 2013 I think). I was one of your Art class 1960-1964. I also was one of the guys who regularly went learning to swim with yourself and other pupils down in the sea near the lawns by Adelaide Crescent (where I lived). We all piled in the back of your Rolls Royce and even changed in there if it was raining before attempting to swim between the groynes. Once achieved we would no longer get to go - obviously guys didn't quite complete the task hoping to continue (soon rumbled).
I particularly remember a comment of yours whilst looking over my shoulder at my work in an art class: "looks good...from about 100 yards". But it didn't stop me getting an Art GCE and six others.
Early on my best friend, Brian Lipinski (he had an older sister Madeleine Lipinski), left as his family went to America where he later had a career in sport.
Also noted a post from a Francis Andrews who I admit I can't recall, but I do remember fondly Madeleine Roberts who was my girlfriend for a while and would like to wish her well.

By Paddy Keleher (05/03/2016)

I am sad to announce that my father Terry Harvey passed away peacefully on Wednesday 9th March 2016, one month short of his 90th birthday. A funeral service will be held at Brisbane on Wednesday 16th March, at which I propose to read out some of the kind comments from his former students from this website. He had fond memories of his time at Cottesmore and I am sure he would want me to wish everyone all the best for the future.

By Simon Harvey (11/03/2016)

Hi Simon, Just by chance logged on and was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I have happy memories of the time spent in his class at Cottesmore which have stayed with me all these years. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Kind regards

By Michael Whelan (12/03/2016)

Just found this site. Oh! the memories. Class of 59: Tony Dube, Ann Kidd, Maraline Roberts, Dennis McGee, Alan Corley. Had a photo of the class of 59, but alas have lost it through time. Anyone have it still?

By Robin Knight (22/03/2016)

Well I never! Hi Robin, were you wearing a light grey suit in the photo? Regards Mike Whelan.

By Michael Whelan (25/03/2016)

Hi Mike, I have not seen the school photo for a long time - as I said I remember it but that's as far as I can go! Do you have it, I would love to see it? I have just come back to Brighton from Oz after all these years, very little has changed. Fancy a beer? Rob

By Robin Knight (06/04/2016)

Hi Rob, Yes I do still have a photo that you and I feature in. If you could let me have your email address (I use my wife's) jacquelinewhelan4@gmail.com then I will be pleased to send you a copy. I believe this was taken in February 1960 with Mr Harrison as our teacher. I have been living in Hampshire for the last 9 years. How long have you been in Oz?

By Michael Whelan (11/04/2016)

Hi Cottesmore. I've just come across your site and was delighted to read it. The years just fell away the more I read it. I left in 1964 and still have fond recollections of the school. Does anyone remember Miss Morgan, I think she taught English? Also Miss Robinson. I was sorry to hear about Mr Harvey, he was a one off. I don't suppose anyone remembers the day the staff went though the coats in the cloakroom to check for cigarettes. I was lucky I had mine in my schoolbag but there was a few worried boys in the playground that day. I was friendly with Neil McLeod (not sure of spelling). I believe he went on to become a dentist in America. I am living in Northern Ireland at the moment but still have fond memories of the old school and will continue to read the page.

By Terry McCormack (23/05/2016)

Hi Robin - glad to see that you are still well after all this time. I live in Brighton again after a good number of years in the Army and working in security.

By Tony Dube (18/06/2016)

I'm really interested in 'Greyfriars'. I recollect walking past it on the way home from work every afternoon, but that must have been circa 1988, yet the article states that it was demolished in the 1970's. I can't find any photos of the building on the internet. Can anyone confirm when it was demolished? Perhaps someone has a photo of the building...?

By Brian Kulaway (15/07/2016)

Hi Simon Harvey, I was sad to read of your father's passing. He was a great guy and an inspiring art teacher. Hope you are well.

By Michael Winter (20/11/2016)

I left Cottesmore school in 1969 with no academic qualifications whatsoever. I have had no academic training since. During 2016-17 I wrote a book, a fantasy story entitled The Ghost of the Fishersgate Mariner - some 67,000 words - to be published this year. I can only blame the teachers of Cottesmore. How wonderful. www.pdmitchell.co.uk